Shane and Deborah Wilson went on the Amazing Race reality television competition to show their kids they can achieve anything they put their mind to.
Three years later their 17-year-old daughter Bronte is set to become the youngest contracted player to join the NRLW in 2024.
Turning 18 a week after the cut-off, Bronte is the second-ever player behind Knights star Jesse Southwell be granted an exemption in the women's game and Mum Deborah has not one doubt that her daughter is ready for the big stage.
“I have every confidence in her. She’s got the personality, she’s got the drive and she’s just a go getter that gives everything 100 per cent,” Deborah told NRL.com.
“We watched her play in the Super Rugby last year against some big girls and she really held her own in that.
“She’s very strong, loved to hit holes and is very determined. After every game Bronte's always asking the coach what she can improve on next, so she’s very dedicated to her game.
“We are very much family orientated and a big competitive sports family. So going on the Amazing Race was about showing the kids that anything you put your mind to, you can achieve.
“Anything Bronte puts her mind to, she gives it all she's got and I don’t think the NRLW will be any different.”
Working her way through the Steelers junior program - the team her dad Shane played for in the before joining South Sydney where he made 64 ARL appearances - Bronte has wanted to be a rugby league player for as long as she can remember.
Leaving school in Year 10 to take up a carpentry apprenticeship to accommodate her training hours, constantly working on her craft and going to anyone she can for advice, the barnstorming forward is an A-plus student of the game.
And after showcasing her speed and strength, crossing for a try in the Steelers' Tarsha Gale Grand Final in April, the powerhouse prop has ensured age won't get in the way of achieving her rugby league dream.
“I did development for a whole year at Dragons last year and then this year I played the Tarsha Gale Cup and then that's when Sowy (coach Jamie Soward) signed me on a development deal,” Wilson told NRL.com
“The rule changed to say you have to be 18 two weeks prior to the first game, so I was going to be just a week out.
“I thought I might have to stay in development this year but when Sowy told me the news I couldn’t believe it, I’m so excited.
“I knew my Dad played for the Steelers and Rabbitohs and my brother has played league since he was six years old, so playing rugby league too is all I’ve wanted to do.”
Watching 19-year-old Southwell make the same switch from rugby union to league and go on to represent New South Wales and win back-to-back premierships for the Knights has the Wollongong apprentice dreaming big.
“Jesse’s been a big influence on me and heaps of other girls my age too, being a year older than me and being able to play rugby league at 17, is very cool,” Wilson said.
“It's always been like a dream to play with the NRLW girls, especially after training with them last year.
“I really look up to them, how they play and the skills that they've developed.
“I really do feel like I'm ready and up to it.”
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